Tickets / Smart Cards

How to Use BART TicketsChildren 4 and under ride free but everyone else must have a ticket. BART tickets are like debit cards with stored value. All BART stations have automatic ticket vending machines that accept nickels, dimes, quarters and $1 coins, as well as $1 $5, $10 and $20 bills. You can also use credit and debit cards in select machines.

When you enter BART, insert your ticket into the fare gate and it will be returned to you. Use the same ticket when you exit. The correct fare will be automatically deducted and tickets with remaining value will be returned. If your ticket has too little value, a sign on the fare gate will read "Underpaid: Go to Addfare." A nearby Addfare vending machine will tell you how much additional fare you must add to your ticket to exit the BART system.

Discount Tickets and Smart CardsWatch our quick video about the various discounts available to riders here.

BART fares are set with a mileage-based formula, therefore time-based passes (e.g., weekly or monthly) are not available. You can't buy BART discount tickets from a vending machine at the station. BART discount tickets are only sold through the mail and at selected retail vendors throughout the Bay Area.

Regional Clipper CardClipper is a regional smart card that works on most Bay Area transit operators. It's managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

To get a card immediately apply in person at a Clipper Customer Service Center. To get a Clipper discount card and receive the BART 62.5% discount for youth (age 5 to 12 years), submit your application by mail, email or fax. For more information visit Clipper Discounts.

BART EZ Rider CardEZ Rider can only be used to pay for parking at the station. To Manage your EZ Rider account or switch to Clipper for parking, visit the EZ Rider website.

BART Blue High Value TicketA 6.25% discount in two denominations: a $48 ticket for $45; a $64 ticket for $60

BART Green* TicketA 62.5% discount for seniors 65 years and older: $24 ticket for only $9

BART Red* TicketA 62.5% discount for persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and children 5-12 years old: $24 ticket for $9

BART/Muni Adult "A" Fast Pass®The "A" Fast Pass®, available on the Clipper® card, is valid for a calendar month and lets you take unlimited rides on SFMTA/Muni vehicles and BART from the Embarcadero station to Balboa Park station in San Francisco. For more information on the "A" Fast Pass® on Clipper®, please visit Muni's website for more information.

Active duty military on leave are eligible for a FREE $50 BART ticketAll active duty military personnel on leave from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" or "Operation Enduring Freedom" are eligible for a FREE $50 BART ticket. Fore more information call 510-464-7136.

*When using BART Green Tickets, seniors are required to carry proof of age. Adults using BART Red Tickets are required to carry an RTC Discount ID Card, or a Medicare Card, a DMV Disabled Parking Placard or license plate, or a discount card from another California transit operator, and picture ID.